SeaWorld: Rescued whale with extreme scoliosis has died

Hundy, who was rescued in the Florida Keys, had been at SeaWorld… (SeaWorld Orlando )

August 27, 2013|By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

A pilot whale with extreme scoliosis that was rescued from the Florida Keys two years ago has died, SeaWorld Orlando officials say.

The animal, known as Hundy, had been receiving daily treatment for several ailments and was showing improvement until the past few days, SeaWorld says. She died Monday.

Her scoliosis -- also known as curvature of the spine -- caused swimming difficulties, prompting SeaWorld to develop a custom brace in late 2011.

It is not known if her conditions contributed to her stranding in the Keys or to her death. A necropsy will be performed with results known in six to eight weeks, SeaWorld says.

"Hundy had a special spirit, and she surprised us many times during her long rehabilitation. She had several chronic, stranding-related health issues that our veterinary and animal-care teams were managing," says Mike Boos, SeaWorld Orlando's vice president of zoological operations. "Through it all, she maintained a bright and enthusiastic attitude."

Hundy came ashore with 22 other pilot whales at Cudjoe Key. Because of her condition, federal wildlife officials decided she could not be returned to South Florida waters. SeaWorld Orlando was asked to provide long-term care. Four other pilot whales -- one from the 2011 stranding in the Keys and three from a 2012 mass beaching -- remain at SeaWorld.